Ethernet vs WiFi
When Speed and Stability Actually Matter
It’s one of the most common questions we hear: Is Ethernet really better than WiFi? And honestly, it depends on what you’re doing. If you’re just browsing, streaming a show, or casually working from the couch, WiFi does the job. It’s flexible, convenient, and, well, you don’t have to deal with cables running across the floor. But if performance is a priority – whether for gaming, video calls, or anything where speed and reliability actually matter – Ethernet is the clear winner. Here’s why.
Real-World Speed vs. Promises on Paper
WiFi speeds always sound impressive in marketing materials, but actual performance? That’s another story. Walls, appliances, other networks in the area – it all adds up. The more interference, the less reliable your connection. Ethernet skips that entire issue. It’s a direct, wired path to your network, meaning consistent speed without the unpredictability.
If you’ve ever had a lag spike mid-game or watched your video call freeze at the worst possible moment, you know how frustrating wireless can be. With Ethernet, what you see on the spec sheet is pretty much what you get. No surprises, no sudden drops.
Don’t Overlook Full-Duplex Speeds
Most people don’t realize it, but WiFi isn’t as fast as it could be – because it has to take turns sending and receiving data. But Ethernet doesn’t have that limitation. It’s full-duplex, meaning it can send and receive simultaneously.
For everyday browsing that’s not a big deal. But if you’re transferring large files or competing in an online game where milliseconds count, it’s one of those things that suddenly matters way more than you thought.
Which One Should You Use?
WiFi is great for convenience, no question. But if you’re setting up a desktop, a gaming rig, or anything that needs reliability, Ethernet will always be the better choice.
Our advice? A mix of both – hardwired connections for high-performance devices, WiFi for everything else. It’s the best way to get flexibility without sacrificing speed when it actually counts.